The U.S. Department of Energy recently launched a $7 million initiative to decarbonize manufacturing to showcase the nation's college and university students' talent.
The funding, from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will expand DOE's Industrial Assessment Center program, a cohort of U.S. colleges and universities helping small- and medium-sized manufacturers save energy, reduce waste and improve productivity, according to a May 20 DOE news release.
"Talented students at America's schools and universities are showing the manufacturing sector how to save money and cut back on carbon pollution," DOE Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm said in the release. "The President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is expanding our ability to train the next generation of clean energy engineers and apply their innovations to help small- and medium-sized businesses decarbonize and accelerate America’s transition to a carbon-free future by 2050."
According to the release, the funding will allow Georgia Institute of Technology, San Jose State University, the University of Delaware, the University of North Texas and San Diego State University to join the existing cohort of U.S. colleges and universities in the program.
"DOE's expansion of Industrial Assessment Centers, including two at California state universities, is welcome news," U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said in the release. "We know that building a greener economy requires a well-trained workforce. Creating new centers on these campuses will prepare more Californians to get good paying jobs as we continue to transition to clean energy."
"I am proud to celebrate the selection of and investment in San Jose State University as an Industrial Assessment Center," U.S. House Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.,, a House Science, Space and Technology Committee senior member, said in the news release. "This announcement reaffirms SJSU's invaluable and continuing role in the development of innovative solutions to the energy, environmental and economic challenges of our day. SJSU is well equipped to help local manufacturers increase energy efficiency, cut costs and lower their carbon footprints to combat climate change. This is good for our environment and good for our economy."
